King Charles and Queen Camilla were all smiles in Edinburgh today, enjoying a special glass of whisky to celebrate the city’s 900th birthday.
Queen Camilla delighted in a 52-year-old whisky, exclaiming, “That hits the spot,” while King Charles, clad in his King Charles III Tartan Kilt, participated in a short Ceremony of The Key at the castle.
The City of Edinburgh Band welcomed the royals with a unique piece titled “King Charles III Welcome to Edinburgh Castle.”
Despite a brisk wind and occasional rain showers, the mood remained light.
Camilla clutched her umbrella, quipping, “I’m hanging onto my umbrella,” and Charles joked with a guest, “I hope you don’t get blown away.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla mingled with Edinburgh locals, including celebrity Gail Porter and author Ian Rankin.
They also enjoyed a vibrant performance by the Bollywood-style dance troupe ‘Dance Ihayami,’ blending traditional Indian and Scottish music.
Charles appreciated the bagpipes, noting, “I liked the bagpipes.”
As they toured stalls showcasing Scottish business and culture, the couple savored two large drams of 52-year-old Macallan whisky.
Camilla, in a mint-colored Anna Valentine coat, was heard saying with satisfaction, “That hits the spot, that hits the spot.”
Evan Robertson of Duncan Taylor whisky noted, “The King was over the moon about the whisky,” while marketing manager Kevin Alston added, “Camilla was encouraging him.”
To cap off the 900-year celebrations, King Charles cut a fruit-filled birthday cake made by Peter Sawkins, a 2020 Great British Bake Off winner from Edinburgh.
Earlier in the day, the King had installed the Queen and Prince Edward into the highest order of Scottish chivalry, the Order of the Thistle, at St Giles Cathedral.
The ceremony included traditional pomp and ceremony, with the royals wearing emerald green cloaks and black hats with white ostrich feathers.
Hundreds of children and well-wishers lined the Royal Mile to catch a glimpse of the royal family.
Among them was 11-year-old Holly Cooper, who waited with 80 others from Queen Victoria Military Boarding School.
“It’s probably the only time I will get to see them.
I thought the Queen looked lovely today,” she said.
During the ceremony, the King and Queen greeted the interim moderator of St Giles’ Cathedral and other dignitaries.
New appointees to the Order included forensic anthropologist Baroness Sue Black, lawyer Baroness Helena Kennedy, and human rights activist Sir Geoff Palmer.
The Order of the Thistle recognizes those who have greatly contributed to Scottish life, with members from various fields such as medicine, law, and academia.
Evening Festivities
Later in the day, the King and Queen attended an event to kick off the Edinburgh Castle’s 900th anniversary celebrations.
Performances by Dance Base and a poem by author Sir Alexander McCall Smith highlighted the evening.
The couple also engaged with local organizations showcasing innovation, food, design, and charity.
A Cheerful Garden Party
At a garden party at the Palace of Holyrood House, Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed about 8,000 visitors.
Despite grey clouds and light rain, the event was a success.
The King humorously recalled his school’s cricket match against Nairn, admitting, “My school lost, but I had the highest score – although it wasn’t much.”
A Ceremonial Role
The palace’s High Constables, including new female members Victoria Webber and Belinda Hacking, helped guests at the garden party.
Despite their ceremonial batons, they were there mainly to assist and guide guests.
The royal family members separately toured the event, meeting many guests and enjoying the festivities despite the weather.
Keys to the City
Earlier, Charles began his official stay in Scotland by receiving the keys to the City of Edinburgh from Lord Provost Robert Aldridge.
Symbolically touching the keys, Charles declared, “I return these keys perfectly convinced that they cannot be placed in better hands than those of the Lord Provost and councillors of my good City of Edinburgh.”
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